Whether casually or professionally streaming, your sound quality output is essential for quality production. Poor mic quality can leave your audience trying to decipher your speech. Unlike a typical gaming headset microphone, a good USB mic gives you noise reduction, improved audio quality, and control. In this article we are going to look at the pros and cons of using Blue Yeti X and Elgato Wave.
Let’s jump right in and break down the battle of microphones between Blue Yeti X vs. Elgato Wave 3.
Is Blue Yeti X Better than Elgato Wave 3?
Should you buy the Blue Yeti X? Here are some of the reasons why it is a better option.
Pros of Blue Yeti X
Easy to Set up
Setting up your Blue Yeti X is a relatively straightforward process. The packaging contains all necessities to start you off your streaming endeavors. This includes a USB cable, a microphone, and a chart detailing the mic’s different features.
Performance
An upgrade to its predecessor, the new Blue Yeti X features four 14mm condensers, including stereo and cardioid. The four condensers let you switch from recording one person to recording a group of individuals surrounding the steaming mic. In addition, the Yeti X can record 48Hz at 24-bit, with a frequency range of 20Hz-29kHz.
The Yeti X also features internal damping, which helps keep plosives at a minimum. Although, you can still use a pop filter for noise reduction.
LED Live Metering
For game streamers, it is practically impossible to pause mid-stream to check on audio quality. This is why Blue Yeti features an 11 segment, red to green LED metering indicator to inform you of your audio output levels with just a glance. If your audio output is too low, the LED indicator turns red. If it is adequate, the indicator maintains a green color.
Different Modes
The Yet X has four modes that users can switch to. These are:
Cardioid Mode: Records sound from sourced direct to the microphone
Omni mode: Captures sound from around the microphone
Bidirectional mode: Captures sound from two opposite directions of the mic
Stereo mode: Uses both right and left channels.
The Yeti X model allows you to blend your recording for a more natural feel. For example, suppose you are streaming gameplay, but the game’s sound effects are higher than your commentary. The streaming mic allows you to balance the two outputs for a harmonious sound effect with the blend mode.
Smart Knob
The Blue Yeti’s smart knob or command center features versatile functionality for rapid software adjustments. You can adjust your mic’s output and input levels as well as switch between different modes.
Cons of Blue Yeti X
Limited Compatibility
The Yeti X’s micro-USB limits its compatibility with other cables in your possession. Clustered as old technology, the micro-USB transfers data from the mic to your computer at up to 480 Mbps. A suitable option would be incorporating USB-C cables, which transfer data between 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps.
Size and Shape
The mic’s general design makes it a tad harder to mount, especially if you have a boom and a shock. More so, the mounting stand appears to be awkward, and it may be impossible to place on uneven surfaces.
Is Elgato Wave 3 Better than Blue Yeti X?
If you need a lighter streaming mic, then the Elgato Wave 3 is a suitable option
Pros of Elgato Wave 3
Design
The Elgato Wave 3 features an elegant satin matt black finish. In addition, the mic is light in weight, meaning you don’t need a bulky boom to support its weight.
The Wave 3 also features a multi-functional knob that you can use to adjust the headphone volume, mic gain, or balance low-latency audio with sound from your computer.
The streaming mic features LED lights for informing users on audio levels.
Performance
The Elagato Wave 3 features a 17mm electret microphone capsule. The mic provides a frequency range of 70Hz to 20kHz and a maximum depth of 24-bit.
The mic also features in-built Clipguard technology, which allows a maximum of 115 decibels. This means the mic can regulate louder sounds before they get into your computer.
For optimal sound output, make sure the mic faces your direction.
Pop Filter
The Wave 3 has an in-built pop filter that filters out any pop or clicks in your recording.
Cons of Elgato Wave 3
Limited Capacity
The mic utilizes a cardioid audio pattern which means it can only capture direct sound coming from one person. This mic is suitable for single person podcasts
Digital Signal Processors
The Wave 3 mic lacks a typical Digital Signal Processor (DSP) but compensates with the ClipGuard.
Which Streaming Mic Should You Use?
The choice of a streaming mic lies with you. Depending on how you intend to use your streaming mic, this little guide on mic comparison will help ease the decision-making process:
| Features | Blue Yeti X | Elgato Wave 3 |
| Audio Interface Frequency Rate | 48kHz | 96kHz |
| Sound pressure level | 122 Db | 128 Db |
| Polar Patterns | 4 | 1 |
| LED Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Connector for 6.5 mm Audio Jack | No | No |
| Pop filter | No | Yes |
| DSP Presets | 11 | 0 |
What is the Difference between Blue Yeti X and Elgato Wave 3 Streaming Mics?
Notably, the Blue Yeti X and the Elgato Wave 3 have striking differences. For starters, the Blue Yeti has four different polar patterns (Bi-directional, cardioid, stereo, and omnidirectional), which can pick sound from different directions. In contrast, Wave 3 only has one polar pattern (Cardioid).
For streamlined audio output, the Elgato Wave 3 features a High-Pass Filter and a ClipGuard which is not featured in the Yeti X.
Should I Switch from Blue Yeti X to Elgato Wave 3?
The only reason to switch from a Blue Yeti X to the Wave 3 is if your boom can no longer support your mic’s weight. Since wave 3 is light, you can use it with less bulky booms.
Should I Switch from Elgato Wave 3 to Blue Yeti X?
A switch to Blue Yeti X is necessary for streamers featuring guests in their stream due to its four polar patterns. So, whether you’re making a YouTube video or capturing gameplay, Blue Yeti’s exceptional sound output has you covered.
Purchase These Mics
Wrapping Up
The ultimate decision on which streaming mic to buy lies with you. The Blue Yeti X proves to be a superior option to its counterpart; however, its fair share of Cons may render it unsuitable. Nevertheless, both streaming mics are relatively easy to use for beginners.
FAQ
Do I Need to Install Additional Software when Using the Blue Yeti X?
No, you don’t need any additional software or drivers to use your streaming mic. However, the company provides optional software for mic updates.
Is the Elgato Wave 3 a Plug-and-Play?
The Wave 3 streaming mic is a plug-and-play using a USB-C cable connection. However, for multiple control and inputs of your stream, you may need the Wave link software.
Do I need a Pop Filter on the Blue Yeti X?
Although the streaming mic’s design is meant to deliver great audio quality without a pop filter, it is advisable to have a pop filter to reduce plosives, or the pop you’ll hear when you pronounce Ps and Bs.
Can I use a Sock as a Pop Filter?
A thick cotton-poly blend can prevent plosives from getting to your mic. Socks are an inexpensive, home-made option you can use in place of commercial pop filters.
